Metals

The Home Insurance Building was the first building to use structural
steel in its frame. It was built in 1884 in Chicago, Illinois, but was
destroyed in 1931 to make way for the Field Building.

There are records of iron being cast into weapons and

ornamentation from the sixth century and cannons cast from iron
were still being produced until the late eighteenth century, but the
use of iron in construction did not start to become commonplace
until the late 1770s when engineers such as darby , paine and
telford used iron beams in the construction of bridges . within
buildings the ability to replace stone , timber beams and columns
with cast iron enabled the construction of wide, open spaces better
suited to the new demands of industrial production .

bradbury building , l.a . usa 1893

the use of cast iron in this atrium is an example of technologies

working together to allow for the first skyscrapers.

The contemporary designers, architects , computing power and the

enabled engineers often adopt the principle of creating an
innovative , efficient structure that not only is made of minimum
materials but also span large distances allowing for the flexible use
of interior space.

The efficient use of metals combined with the opportunity to recycle

them when they reach the end of their life is being exploited by
designers worldwide. The aesthetic qualities of specific metals, such
as stainless steel with its flexibility, variety of finish and ease of
reuse , is leading to elegant and beautiful interior designs that also
aim to address environmental awareness.

The construction engineers, architects and interior designers need

to continue the drive for greater efficiency in the design ,
manufacture and use of metals in order to bring costs and energy
use down and again open up the opportunity to make greater use of
one of the most potentially diverse materials .

In contrast to the historical obsession with silver and gold as a

representation of importance and wealth, the working and
application of metal became prominent as a demonstration of the
skill, craft and honesty of the metal worker- which probably was the
main concern of the people of that era.
the inherent properties of steel , the ability to take on forms, to
bend, rolled ,twisted ,hammered, to be wrought, to be textured and
patinated- have been given over to a machine aesthetic that
presents metals as the sterile product of mechanical process.

Why steel is increasingly being selected as a construction material is

explained by BEN CAMPBELL.

CRUSHING NEGATIVE PRECONCEPTIONS

For many years, steel was subject to heavy negative preconceptions about
how it was sourced, how it was produced and how it could be used. Because
of these negative preconceptions, it has been shunned in favour of materials
such as wood for design and construction.

However, now that were in the modern world, things have changed, and with
new technologies, new production process and new research, lightweight
steel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for construction. In fact, in
some cases, its now starting to overtake the former traditional choice of
wood.

Why? Because, quite simply, it holds considerable benefits right from the
moment its selected as a material all the way through to its influence in
architecture and design, and even to its existence as a final end product.
STEEL IS PRODUCED SUSTAINABLY

As previously stated, steel holds a variety of benefits right from moment its
chosen as a material for a construction project. In fact, an increasing number
of Australian construction firms are now choosing steel over other materials
simply because of the positive sustainable production properties associated
with doing so.

Nearly half of the worlds steel production is now produced in

electric-powered plants that operate predominantly with recycled
scrap, which means no carbon emissions are produced at any point
in the production process. No carbon emissions means no harmful
pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere.

Producing tonnes of steel for internal core structures, roof sheeting

and finishing features is far more sustainable than the production of
other materials such as concrete.

STEEL STRUCTURES ARE MORE EFFICIENT

Steel has also become a popular choice for architects when designing an
internal building structure. Most notably, the design flexibility of steel in
the use of a buildings frame enables architects to focus on the
energy efficiency of the planned building. Steel structures generally
have a much better ventilation system thanks to a more capable
stack effect, thus making the entire structure more energy efficient.

::Another consideration associated with the use of steel structures is

their efficiency; for example, it takes around a quarter of an acre of
fully grown trees to produce the wood framing for an average family
home. Recreate the same size home with a steel frame, and it would
only require three or four old cars to do so. As well as being cost-
effective for the construction company, this is also beneficial for the
environment as fewer truck deliveries will be need to be made to
and from the construction site. It also means an overall reduction in
on-site working time.

Furthermore, compared to other building materials such as timber and

block, steel possesses the highest strength-to-weight ratio, meaning
that less wastage is placed into landfills throughout the entire build process.

STEEL IS STRONGER AND EASIER TO MAINTAIN

Steel also plays a huge role in the physical construction of a building.
Compared to wood, for example, steel is extremely sturdy and generally
has a much higher tolerance to harsh weather conditions, continual
use, weight and force. Because of this, steel can maintain a higher
resistance to many common construction problems such as splitting,
distorting or even breaking entirely, when used for external features.

Furthermore, another reason steel is seeing a rise in popularity in

construction is because it is easy to maintain. Whether used internally or
externally, steel doesnt need large amounts of sealants, polishes or
paints to maintain both the durability and the appearance of it.

Steel is also versatile. It can also be used in a whole range of

features to finalise the look and function of a building, from window
frames, to internal and external steel stairs, to balustrades and
railings.

I think its safe to say that steel has made a case for itself in the modern
world of building and construction, and I believe it will only become of greater
importance in construction processes moving forward.

Ben Campbell is a freelance writer specialising in the construction, building

and architectural industries.

Advantages: Maintains its strength indefinately- does not deteriorate with

age like timber and concrete, provided its surface is protected from
rust.Very strong and flexible - steel framed houses are ideal in
cyclone/hurricane prone regions. The best material for bridges and
skyscrapers.Can be recycledStructures can be prefabricated (welded) in large
sections, and lifted into place with cranes and bolted together- buildings can
be erected quickly. Many section types are made (square, tube, H-section,
etc)Versatile- Radical architecture is possible using steel.Disadvanages:
Heavy and thus expensive to transport, susceptible to corrosion-
steel bridges must be painted continuously, particilarly in a salty
environment.Has a high expansion rate in changing temperatures,
and this must be allowed for in the engineering. In conditions of
repeated stress and changing temperatures, can suffer fatigue and
cracks, and more corrosion.Energy intensive to produce
[top] Opportunities for architectural expression in steel

Main articles: Simple connections, Moment resisting connections, Visually

expressed structural forms, Expressed connections, Use of steel in cladding
systems

Arch fig4.png

Urban scale Accessible public buildings, such as Manchesters Justice Centre

are now part of the urban landscape

In addition to being a structurally versatile and adaptable material, steel

offers the opportunity for architectural expression. Good quality detailing is
vital because it affects structural performance, cost, buildability and, perhaps
most importantly, the appearance of the building.

Although the choice of structural form is often the province of the structural
engineer, architects should have an appreciation of the factors leading to the
selection of the structure and its details. Traditionally, most detailing of
connections is the responsibility of the structural engineer or steelwork
contractor but, for exposed steelwork, detailing is of much more interest to
the architect, as it impacts on the concept of the building.

In this respect, it is important that architects appreciate the common

fabrication and erection techniques which may exert a strong influence on
the method and approach to the detailing of modern steelwork in buildings.

Arch fig3.png
Urban scale Wide range of building forms achieved using steel structures on
Londons South Bank

Steel construction provides many advantages for architectural expression

including:

Externally exposed structures clearly express their function.

Slender members can be designed efficiently, particularly using tubular

sections.

Lightness can be accentuated by openings in beams and by latticework

Curved members, such as arches, can be formed easily.

Tension structures are efficient and lightweight, particularly for long span
enclosures.

Connections can be designed expressively.

The fire resistance of exposed steelwork can be enhanced by the use of

intumescent coatings, or by concrete, or water filling (of tubular sections).

Colours and finishes of painted steelwork can be used to great visual effect.

In architecture, the decision to express or conceal the structural frame, either

externally or internally, is the result of aesthetic preference coupled with
technical and functional considerations.

Structural Scale

Tubular diagrid structure used over the public concourse at Londons Kings
Cross station

120m long curved fabricated beams used over the Departures area of
Londons Heathrow Terminal 5
To achieve economic and practical architectural details, there has to be a
basic appreciation of the performance of the overall structure itself and the
loading conditions on the member or component in question. The form of the
structure will strongly influence the details employed.

Structural details often evolve through the logical stages of the concept
design, followed by further rationalisation into the detailed design, i.e. from
the macro to the micro. The architect may approach the concept design with
the key component details already in mind. However, the final solution will be
influenced by structural issues, an understanding of the fabrication process,
as well as transport and installation considerations.

Buildings should be designed well at a range of scales. An understanding and

an appreciation of all the scales will help in the art of assembly and detailing.
Therefore, an elegant and well proportioned building will have been
successfully considered at both the large scale as well as in its details.
Examples from well-known projects are shown.

Assembly scale Expressed use of steel struts and ties to support a tent roof
structure at Belfasts Odyssey

Detail scale Expressed use of steel nodes and ties to support the roof
structure at Manchesters Etihad Stadium

(Image courtesy of Arup Associates)

Strength, beauty, design freedom

Steel offers architects more design freedom in colour, texture and shape. Its
combination of strength, durability, beauty, precision and malleability gives
architects broader parameters to explore ideas and develop fresh solutions.
Steels long spanning ability gives rise to large open spaces, free of
intermediate columns or load bearing walls. Its capacity to bend to a
certain radius, creating segmented curves or free-form combinations for
facades, arches or domes sets it apart. Factory-finished to the most exacting
specifications under highly controlled conditions, steels final outcome is
more predictable and repeatable, eliminating the risk of on-site variability.

Read more about using steel in residential construction via our Westcliff
Pavilion case studyRead more about using steel in residential construction via
our Tea Houses case studyFind out about steels unique properties and its
capabilities as a construction material

Fast, efficient, resourceful

Steel can be assembled quickly and efficiently in all seasons. Components

are pre-manufactured off site with minimal on-site labour. A whole
frame can be erected in a matter of days rather than weeks, with a
corresponding 20% to 40% reduction in construction time relative to on-site
construction, depending on a projects scale. For single dwellings, on more
challenging sites, steel often allows less points of contact with the earth,
reducing the amount of excavation required. Structural steels lighter weight
relative to other framing materials such as concrete enables a smaller,
simpler foundation. These efficiencies in execution translate to considerable
resource efficiencies and economic benefits, including accelerated project
schedules, reduced site management costs and an earlier return on
investment.

Learn more about the benefits of steel construction techniques and

materialsRead about the history of pre-fab homesRead about the benefits of
off-site fabrication via our story on Archway Studios by Undercurrent
Architects
Adaptable and accessible

These days, a buildings function can change dramatically and rapidly. A

tenant may want to make changes that increase floor loads significantly.
Walls may need to be repositioned to create new interior layouts based on
different needs and space usage. Steel-built structures can cater for such
changes. Non-composite steel beams can be made composite with the
existing floor slab, cover plates added to the beams for increased strength,
beams and girders easily reinforced and supplemented with additional
framing or even relocated to support changed loads. Steel framing and floor
systems also allow easy access and alterations to existing electrical wiring,
computer networking cables and communication systems.

Read more about using steel in residential construction via our Vila House
case studyRead about important aspects of structural safety with regard to
steel buildingsLearn more about the use of steel in mixed-use buildings

Adaptable and accessible interior

Less columns, more open space

Less columns, more open space

Steel sections provide an elegant, cost-effective method of spanning long

distances. Extended steel spans can create large, open plan, column free
internal spaces, with many clients now demanding column grid spacing over
15 metres. In single storey buildings, rolled beams provide clear spans of
over 50 metres. Trussed or lattice construction can extend this to 150 metres.
Minimising the number of columns makes it easier to subdivide and
customize spaces. Steel-built buildings are often more adaptable, with
greater potential for alterations to be made over time, extending the lifetime
of the structure.

Read more about using steel in residential construction via our Veranda
House case study Learn more about how steel can help achieve maximum
open spaces via our Case Natura case studySee the interview with Carl Perry,
Chair of Living Steel and learn more about the benefits of steel in residential
construction

Endlessly recyclable

When a steel-framed building is demolished, its components can be reused or

circulated into the steel industry's closed-loop recycling system for melt down
and repurposing. Steel can be multicycled endlessly with no
detrimental effect. Nothing is wasted. In fact, steel saves on the use of
natural raw resources since a significant proportion of todays new steel is
already being made from recycled steel. In the UK, 94% of steel construction
components are reused or recycled in this way*. Globally, recycled steel
accounts for 50% of new steel production*.

See how steel makes an ideal choice for sustainable solutions: Read an article
about recycling materials for emergency relief and recoveryRead about
Pritzker Prize winning architect Glenn Murcutts views on designing in
harmony with nature

The idea of just using materials that eventually go back into the earth is very,
very sustainable. I like that to me it is very important.

GLENN MURCUTT -

2002 PRITZKER PRIZE | 2009 AIA GOLD MEDAL | 2006, 2008 LIVING STEEL
JURY CHAIR

Added fire resistance

Added fire resistance

Extensive testing of structural steelwork and complete steel structures has

provided the industry with a thorough understanding of how steel buildings
respond to fire. Advanced design and analysis techniques allow precise
specification of fire protection requirements of steel-framed buildings, often
resulting in significant reductions in the amount of fire protection required.
For example, pre-engineered steel flooring systems have been designed to
achieve 60-minutes of fire resistance, without additional fire protection. Thin
film intumescent coatings are the most popular form of fire protection. Many
long span and cellular construction projects now use the offsite application
process for these coatings, which further reduces construction times,
improves site safety and quality control and allows faster access for follow-on
trades on site.

View a Technical Paper on fires and small apartmentsView a Technical Paper

on extreme weather eventsView James Stockwells Snowy Mountain House
case study

Earthquake resistance
Earthquakes are unpredictable in terms of magnitude, frequency, duration,
and location. Steel is the material of choice for design because it is
inherently ductile and flexible. It flexes under extreme loads rather
than crushing or crumbling. Many of the beam-to-column connections in a
steel building are designed principally to support gravity loads. Yet they also
have a considerable capacity to resist lateral loads caused by wind and
earthquakes. In their entirety, these connections provide superior reserve
strength and defence, increasing a buildings resistance against earthquakes
and potential for repair.

View a Technical Paper on Earthquakes and Seismic DesignView a Emergency

Buildings TutorialRead more about Novo House an earthquake
reconstruction Demonstration programme

Earthquake resistance

Aesthetics, meet function

Aesthetics, meet function

Steels slender framing creates buildings with a sense of openness,

light, transparency and a sense of touching the ground lightly. Its
flexibility and malleability inspire architects to pursue and achieve
their aims in terms of exploring distinctive shapes and textures.
These aesthetic qualities are complemented by steels functional
characteristics that include its exceptional spanning ability, dimensional
stability over time, its acoustic noise dampening abilities, endless
recyclability and the speed and precision in which it is manufactured and
assembled onsite with minimal on-site labour.

Learn about the different types of corrosion and how to protect against
themFind out about steels unique properties and its capabilities as a
construction materialRead more about using steel in residential construction
via our Westcliff Pavilion Case Study

More usable space, less material

Steels ability to maximise space and internal width with the thinnest shell
possible means thinner, smaller structural elements are achievable. Steel
beam depths are around half that of timber beams, offering greater
usable space, less materials and lower costs compared with other
materials. Wall thicknesses can be thinner because steels strength and
excellent spanning capacity means theres no need to build solid,
space-consuming brick walls. This can be particularly relevant for heavily
constrained sites, where steels space-saving properties can be the key to
overcoming spatial challenges.

Learn more about the benefits of steel construction techniques and

materialsRead an article about steel framing solutions:Read more about how
steel can help you maximize usable space via our story on Archway Studios
by Undercurrent Architects

For the past century, steel has provided wonderful opportunities for invention
in building design, especially where strength for weight and pre-fabrication
are key considerations.

PETER STUTCHBURY -

PETER STUTCHBURY ARCHITECTURE - WINNER 3RD LIVING STEEL

ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION

We have to learn to live more economically using fewer resources to achieve

sustainable architecture

GLENN MURCUTT -

LIVING STEEL JURY CHAIR 2006, 2008, JURY MEMBER 2007

Lighter and less impacting on the environment

Steel structures can be significantly lighter than concrete equivalents and

require less extensive foundations, reducing the environmental impact of the
build. Less and lighter materials means they are easier to move around,
reducing transportation and fuel use. Steel pile foundations, if required, can
be extracted and recycled or reused at the end of a buildings life, leaving no
waste material on site. Steel is also energy efficient, as heat radiates
quickly from steel roofing, creating a cooler home environment in
hot climate areas. In cold climates, double steel panel walls can be well
insulated to better contain the heat.

Thirteen structural steel building projects have earned national recognition in

the 2013 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural
Steel awards program (IDEAS2). Conducted annually by the American
Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the IDEAS2 awards recognize
outstanding achievements in engineering and architecture on steel-framed
building projects throughout the U.S. The award is the highest honor
bestowed on building projects by the structural steel industry in the U.S. and
recognizes the importance of teamwork, coordination and collaboration in
fostering successful construction projects.

The winning projects and their respective team members were recognized on
April 17 during AISC's 2013 NASCC: The Steel Conference in St. Louis. Each
year, awards for each winning project are presented to the project team
members involved in the design and construction of the structural framing
system, including the architect, structural engineer, general contractor,
detailer, fabricator, erector and owner.

A panel of design and construction industry professionals identified National

and Merit winners in three categories, based on constructed value: projects
less than $15 million; projects $15 million to $75 million; and projects greater
than $75 million. In addition, the panel awarded a Presidential Award of
Excellence in Engineering to one project for structural engineering
accomplishment.

Hall of Fame for NASCAR

The Barclays Center arena

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA)

California Memorial Stadium

Lee Hall III

Sierra Bonita